Media Release Launching Nightstop in Glasgow

Call issued for spare rooms to provide sanctuary for young people

Media Release 11 September 2016

YOUNG people in Glasgow facing the prospect of sleeping rough on the streets are to be provided an emergency bed for the night – in a volunteer’s home rather than in a homelessness hostel.

The homeless charity, Simon Community Scotland – which is, this month, marking its 50th anniversary – has received funding from the Big Lottery Fund to set up a network of beds in people’s spare rooms, throughout Glasgow.

Says the homelessness charity, a young person will be able to stay in their own private room, with a welcoming volunteer host – for up to three nights.

The hope is that, during that time, Simon Community Scotland staff can then assist the young person to find a more long-term solution to what has taken them to the brink of homelessness.

Funding for the ‘nightstop’ service is also being provided by the Rangers Charity Foundation.

Last year, it was announced that Simon Community Scotland would be one of seven charities to be supported by the Rangers Charity Foundation.

In November, the foundation is staging a series of ‘sleep outs’ at Rangers’ football ground, Ibrox, to raise funds, while the Big Lottery Fund is providing £150,000 towards making the nightstop service a reality.